Cuban Embargo

[Robert747]

Hi All,i've got a question for consideration.
What is going to happen to the cigar market in Europe when the USA lifts the embargo against Cuba?

I think one thing is certain - we really have no idea what is going to happen. It is fun though endlessly speculating how it will impact on the UK cigar industry.

I remember 25 years ago someone 'in the know' telling me the embargo was about to lift - it has been just around the corner ever since.

We all know the US is the cigar giant but it is interesting to know the situation immediately before the embargo. The hand made cigar consumtion in the US was around 185 million each year - almost all of these were made from Cuban tobacco. However only about 14 million were imported from Cuba - the remainder were made in the US cigar factories.

My personal view (for what it is worth) is some US cigar makers will include Cuban tobacco in their existing New World brands and possibly have factories in Cuba - the lines will be well and truly blurred. I cannot imagine there will be any change to existing Havana cigars and quality will be maintained - so life goes on.

There are Trademark issues - with Havana brand names that are presently being sold in the US (tobacco from DR, Nic).

Habanos sa support the UK market well and as our consumtion is relatively small I cannot see dramatic shortages. Just as pre-embargo cigars became highly desirable I imagine cigars made before the embargo lifts will be very collectable.

So a very different market - but if you smoke Cuban or New World you will still be able to have the worlds finest.